Gold Rolex

I feel confident that Rolex and other goldsmiths figured out long ago how to capture the trimmings and remelt them in the next batch of gold.

Though I am currently back into steel watches, there is one gold Rolex that never fails to get my attention, and often my money. The 18k 1013 (and smooth bezel 1012) is basically the Calatrava of Rolex. Hour, minutes, second, Oyster Perpetual in the 1560 and 1570 movements. 36mm case, 20mm lugs. Launched in September of 1960...this was also the introduction date for its sister watches, the more famous 1016 Explorer, the "business suit Explorer" the 1018, the 1019 Milgauss, and some 34mm versions like the gold capped 1024. Yellow gold or pink...those were the choices. I only have pictures of 7 or the 8 that I have owned over the last 20 years.

I tried a white gold Datejust a while ago. I am used to a stainless one. The heft of the gold was quite noticeable.

Just here to derp these pics of Rolex Zephyr reference 1008, ~34mm, circa 1960s

(From https://www.watchcollectors.co.uk/product/rolex-oyster-perpetual-zephyr-dial-1008-14k-yellow-gold/)



(From http://www.craigevansmall.com/rolex-zephyr-gold-watch-ref-1008-circa-1960s.html)



(From https://www.touchofmodern.com/sales...petual-zephyr-automatic-1008-pre-owned?wall=1)